WHITE POST, VA, USA
N97168
Stinson 108
During the take-off roll on a 2,000-foot long wet grass runway, the airplane veered to the left, went through a barbed wire fence, struck a dirt mound and came to rest 150 feet beyond the mound on its nose. The pilot reported that a light frost covered the airplane prior to departure, but he did not de-ice the airplane because he was in a hurry. The pilot reported to an FAA inspector that the accident was "his fault and he knew better." The pilot also reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane, and that the accident could have been prevented if he had "de-iced the aircraft thoroughly." Additionally, the grass on the runway was estimated to be about 9 inches long.
On April 26, 2001, at 0600 eastern daylight time, a Stinson 108, N97168, was substantially damaged during take-off from White Post Airport (3VA7), White Post, Virginia. The certificated commercial pilot sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot was en route to Kentucky to attend a business meeting scheduled at 1000. During a telephone interview, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector said she had a telephone conversation with the pilot. According to the inspector, the pilot reported that he pulled the airplane from his hangar the night before and left it tied down outside overnight, so he could save time the next morning. According to the inspector, the pilot said that frost covered the airplane prior to take-off, but he did not remove it because he was in a hurry, and had "get-there-itis." The pilot also told the inspector that the accident was his fault and he knew better. In a written statement, the pilot said: "Aircraft had light frost layer all over and was unable to get airborne on take-off, crashing into neighboring fence." Another FAA inspector performed an on-scene examination. In a written statement, the inspector said: "During take-off roll, aircraft veered left off runway, went through barbed wire fence, then struck 6 foot rock/dirt mound, came to rest approx. 150 yards beyond mound, struck ground nose down. State Police observed frost on the aircraft. Additionally, the grass on the private strip was approximately 9-inches tall and wet." Runway 4/22 was a 2,000 foot long by 75-foot wide grass runway. Weather at Winchester Regional Airport (OKV), Winchester, Virginia, at 0602, were calm winds, temperature 32 degrees F, and dewpoint 32 degrees F. The pilot reported 3,100 total flight hours, of which 950 hours were in make and model. The pilot also reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane. Additionally, when asked how this accident could have been prevented, the pilot recommended, "De-ice aircraft thoroughly!"
the pilot's failure to remove frost from the airplane prior to departure. A factor in the accident was the tall wet grass.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
Aviation Accidents App
In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports
